Shrimp Chow Mein
Shrimp Chow Mein is a classic Chinese dish known for its savory noodles, tender shrimp, and crisp vegetables. Chow Mein, which translates to “fried noodles” in Cantonese, is a popular stir-fried noodle dish that originated in China but has become beloved worldwide.
This recipe combines the umami flavors of soy sauce and oyster sauce with the freshness of shrimp, vegetables, and noodles, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Follow this recipe to learn how to make delicious Shrimp Chow Mein at home, perfect for a quick and hearty dinner.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Chow Mein, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Chow Mein:
- 8 ounces chow mein noodles (or thin egg noodles)
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 4 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
Optional Garnish:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- Sliced red chili peppers (for extra heat)
How to Make Shrimp Chow Mein
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Cook the Noodles: Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the noodles with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and a pinch of black pepper. Let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes.
Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Chow Mein Sauce
Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and chicken broth (or water) until the cornstarch is dissolved and the sauce is well combined. Set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet or wok used for the shrimp, heat the remaining vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Vegetables: Add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Incorporate Cabbage and Bean Sprouts: Add the shredded cabbage, bean sprouts, and the white parts of the green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the cabbage is wilted but still slightly crunchy.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Combine Noodles, Sauce, and Shrimp: Add the cooked noodles and shrimp back into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and gently toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Step 6: Serve the Shrimp Chow Mein
Plate and Garnish: Divide the Shrimp Chow Mein among serving plates or bowls. Garnish with the green parts of the chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.
Chef’s Notes
Noodles: Chow Mein noodles are traditional for this dish, but you can also use thin egg noodles or even spaghetti as a substitute.
Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp for this recipe. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or prefer. Other options include carrots, snow peas, mushrooms, or baby corn.
Sauce Adjustments: Adjust the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, or hoisin sauce to suit your taste preferences. You can also add a dash of chili sauce or sriracha for extra spice.
Wok Cooking: A wok is ideal for stir-frying as it allows for high heat and quick cooking. If you don’t have a wok, use a large skillet with high sides.
Nutrition Value
The nutritional values for Shrimp Chow Mein can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on a 4-serving recipe):
- Calories: 400-450 kcal
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Saturated Fat: 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: 50-55g
- Fiber: 4-6g
- Sugars: 5-7g
- Cholesterol: 150-200mg
- Sodium: 1200-1400mg
- Vitamin A: 20-25% DV
- Vitamin C: 120-150% DV
- Calcium: 6-8% DV
- Iron: 15-20% DV
Conclusion
Shrimp Chow Mein is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines noodles, shrimp, and vegetables in a delicious sauce.
This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating this Chinese-inspired favorite at home, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients and adjust the spice level to your liking.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a dinner party, Shrimp Chow Mein is sure to impress with its savory flavors and comforting appeal.
Enjoy the aromatic blend of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce in every bite of this delightful dish. Happy cooking!
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